Rizzo, Arrieta, and Linden Will Run Chicago Marathon
The 2026 Chicago Marathon on October 11 features a star-studded field including two former Cubs and an Olympic runner.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Running
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Former Chicago Cubs teammates Anthony Rizzo and Jake Arrieta will join Olympian Des Linden and instructor Kirsten Ferguson at the 2026 Chicago Marathon. The race takes place on October 11, 2026, as participants tackle the iconic course.
Why it matters
Anthony Rizzo is participating to support the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation, while Des Linden views the event as key preparation for a 100-mile trail race. The marathon draws significant attention for bringing professional athletes and high-profile figures through 29 city neighborhoods.
The course spans 26.2 miles and winds through 29 Chicago neighborhoods. Des Linden, who previously finished third at the 168-mile Marathon des Sables, uses the race as a training milestone for an upcoming 100-mile trail event.
The players
Anthony Rizzo
He is a former Chicago Cubs first baseman who is running to support the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation.
Jake Arrieta
The former Cubs pitcher and World Series champion is fundraising for the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation.
Des Linden
She is a two-time Olympian and the 2018 Boston Marathon champion who utilizes this race for ultra-distance training.
Kirsten Ferguson
She is a professional Peloton instructor participating in the marathon event.
The details
The race brings together notable figures who have reached the pinnacle of their respective sports, including the 2016 World Series champions and a 2018 Boston Marathon winner. Participants have documented their extensive training regimens throughout the summer and fall to prepare for the rigorous city course.
Timeline
2016: Anthony Rizzo and Jake Arrieta won the World Series with the Chicago Cubs.
April 2026: Des Linden finished third at the Marathon des Sables in the Moroccan Sahara Desert.
October 11, 2026: The 2026 Chicago Marathon takes place across Chicago.
Season Trajectory
This race highlights the ongoing evolution of celebrity-led fundraising in major endurance sports. By leveraging high-profile stars from the 2016 Chicago Cubs roster, the event shifts focus from purely athletic competition toward large-scale community and philanthropic engagement.
The marathon route travels through 29 neighborhoods, requiring significant street closures across the city for the duration of the event. Runners and spectators should prepare for adjusted local transit schedules as the 26.2-mile course occupies major thoroughfares.
The takeaway
Large urban marathons serve as both a proving ground for elite athletes and a powerful platform for charitable fundraising. Participants can implement similar structured training schedules used by these professionals to safely prepare for their own long-distance goals.
Further reading
For more on upcoming races and local events, visit the Running section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sports Illustrated.
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Would you ever train for and compete in a full 26.2-mile marathon?
